>For those of us who belong to the Society of Historical Archaeology, there >is currently a heated discussion about joining with SOPA (Society of >Professional Archaeologists) and SAA (Society for American Archaeology) to >establish ROPA (Registry of Professional Archaeologists). The proposal is >contained in the March SHA NEWSLETTER, and the vote will be in December. Hi Anita I'll take you up on this one! As an historical archaeologist teaching at university level in Australia, I am very concerned about professional standards and fully support initiatives like ROPA. I am an associate member of an equivalent organisation here, the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists, and am also involved in moves to organise a more broadly-based professional body here in the state of Victoria, the Australian Institute of Professional Archaeologists. However, as a life member of SHA, I have reservations about the current proposal. At a time when SHA and the journal, HA, are making a number of moves aimed at increasing international membership and dialogue, I find it peculiar that we are also considering a proposal that will see all members having to support an external organisation that is only of benefit and relevance to those working in the United States. I know that the SHA is largely an American organisation which undertakes many initiatives on behalf of its American membership, eg political lobbying, educational programs etc., which is fair enough. The ROPA proposal however will see us making a long-term financial commitment to an organisation which does not represent the interests of myself or the many other members of the SHA who do not work in the United States. Bob Schuyler presented a statistical breakdown of SOPA membership of other organisations - what is the statistical breakdown of the membership of SHA which is not American, let alone the avocational component who could not join ROPA anyway? In my opinion, support for ROPA should be voluntary for those to whom it is relevant, rather than compulsorary for all of us. Dr Susan Lawrence Department of Archaeology La Trobe University Bundoora, Victoria Australia 3083 ph 03 9479 1790 fax 03 9479 1881